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GRAYSON DEVELOPS SYSTEM TO BOOST PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID DRIVE VEHICLES
British heat exchange specialist Grayson Thermal Systems is working with a major manufacturer of hybrid drive systems on a project to boost driver comfort in hybrid drive vehicles, while also optimising their environmental performance.
The company is developing a product that removes the current requirement for diesel fuel heaters to be fitted on hybrid drive vehicles to supplement the warmth available from the engine to heat the interior compartment. Grayson’s thermal resistor uses surplus energy from the battery to generate heat and provide controllable, efficient warming to the interior of the vehicle. By removing the need for a diesel-powered heater, the resistor enables the vehicle to use less fuel, emit lower levels of CO2 and particulates, and to run more quietly.
Two prototype units are currently under evaluation by the hybrid drive manufacturer, and the associated software is in final development. Grayson has invested £50,000 in tooling for the product, and pre-production samples will be produced by late February, for use both in UK field trials and in validation testing at Grayson’s research and development facility. The company believes the system will also offer benefits to manufacturers and operators of all-electric vehicles.
Grayson Thermal Systems engineering manager David Hancock said:
“Hybrid drive vehicles are a major step forward for vehicle manufacturers and operators as they work to achieve environmental targets, but the technology brings specific challenges that need to be addressed if the benefits are to be fully realised.
“Grayson has committed a significant proportion of its research and development resource to support its customers through the process.”
The company’s research indicates that using the resistor will enable the hybrid drive vehicle’s diesel engine to warm up faster and to run more efficiently, leading to even lower diesel consumption and the generation of fewer vehicle emissions. Work continues to quantify this benefit.
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